A roundup of last week Sunday 22nd April 2018

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My blogging has been rather intermittent of late so a roundup of the past week seems appropriate.

 I have had a couple attempts at ringing in the last week, they have been rather dismal to say the least with only two birds, a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock, caught.

Spring can be difficult especially at such an exposed site as Pembrey Burrows. Despite the lack of ringing success there have been  migrant birds arriving and passing through, with Arctic Tern (thanks to Bernie for the record), Sedge, Grasshopper, Willow and  Whitethroat warblers all recorded. A high flying Marsh Harrier heading south towards the Gower was a latecomer to the year list which now stands at 97
Arctic Tern

On the butterfly front there's not a lot to be said, I held a "training session" for three willing butterfly surveyors on Thursday  which turned into a lovely walk but nothing to record, well not anything that was close enough to identify. There's time yet.....

Floristically, there a few plants to see with Green-winged Orchid, Cowslips, Heath Dog Violet, Wild Pansy, Oxford Ragwort, Broom and Moonwort all to find across the reserve.

Green-winged Orchid

Moonwort
I found the first newly emerged Dune Tiger Beetles yesterday which were great to see scuttling around grabbing prey.


Dune Tiger Beetle

Comments

  1. Unknown23 April 2018 at 00:02

    Are the Green-winged Orchids scattered or are they fenced off somewhere? I think this is the Orchid that is found at St Govans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paul Aubrey23 April 2018 at 16:52

      Hi Joyce, you will find the Green-winged Orchids all over the dryer and slightly damp arras of the reserve, however one of the better areas to search is the first field on your left as you walk down the tarmac track, go over the easiest stile to find and wander around, some warm weather may improve the show!

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